Philadelphia Eagles 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
The Philadelphia Eagles had an excellent 2022 season end with a gut-wrenching 38-35 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 57. The Eagles have a long list of key defenders hitting free agency. Plus, offensive coordinator Shane Steichen (Indianapolis Colts) and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon (Arizona Cardinals) left for head coaching positions.
NFL lines have the Eagles tied with the Buffalo Bills as the second choice (+750) to win Super Bowl 58. Philadelphia will need another impressive offseason to remain a contender. Thanks to general manager Howie Roseman’s great work, the Eagles have strong draft capital. The 2023 NFL Draft will be the perfect opportunity to replace some departing free agents. Here’s who Philly could target in April’s draft.
Let’s check the most recent NFL picks, statistics, and the top betting insights for the 2023 NFL mock draft. Additionally, we have an abundance of NFL draft odds for your consideration.
2022 Season Record: 14-3
Status of Coach: Nick Sirianni – Safe
Positions Needed by Eagles
- Cornerback
- Linebacker
- Defensive tackle
- Safety
- Running back
Notable Draft Picks
- Round 1, Pick 10 (from Saints)
- Round 1, Pick 30
- Round 2, Pick 62
Potential First-Round Targets
In April of 2022, the Eagles acquired the New Orleans Saints’ 2023 first-round selection. The trade paid off big time with the Saints finishing 7-10. Philadelphia holds the No. 10 overall pick and its No. 30 selection (it lines up at 31 but the Dolphins have forfeited their pick). The Eagles are in the perfect spot to replace defensive free agents with talented rookies.
With the No. 10 pick, cornerback feels like the obvious choice. Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon and Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez are trending defensive back prospects vying to be the first cornerback off of the board.
Witherspoon’s physicality and instincts are his best traits. The Illinois product excels in man coverage, is a heavy-hitter in run support, and has good ball skills. Gonzalez is mostly drawing praise for his athleticism and size. He stands at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds with great speed and instincts. Gonzalez could shoot up draft boards following the NFL Combine.
Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon is a baller. Every game is just him flying around in coverage and as a tackler to make plays on the ball. My kind of DB. pic.twitter.com/FA9sQLPhpG
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) February 10, 2023
Later in the first round, Philadelphia will likely take a best-by-available approach. Safety, defensive tackle, and running back could offer the best value at the No. 30 pick.
Texas A&M safety Antonio Johnson would be a good replacement for C.J. Gardner-Johnson if he leaves Philly in free agency. Antonio Johnson has excellent versatility with the ability to play in the box, as a slot corner or deep safety. He’s a great tackler and has an impressive range at 6-foot-3.
Defensive linemen Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh) and Keion White (Georgia Tech) could replace another potential free agent departure – defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Kancey would be the perfect fit with his excellent quickness as a three-technique rusher. White has the versatility to play nearly anywhere on the defensive line, backed by fantastic athleticism.
Most NFL teams avoid spending big money on running backs. The Eagles could let Miles Sanders walk if he demands too much. If Texas’ Bijan Robinson is available, Philly could have its new running back. Robinson is the best running back prospect since Saquon Barkley with his all-around game. The Texas product’s agility and cuts stand out, and Robinson has the ability to be a workhorse with his physicality. The Eagles’ run game would be even better with Robinson running the rock.
Learn More About the NFC East Draft 2023
- Washington Commanders 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
- Dallas Cowboys 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
- New York Giants 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
Potential Second-Round Targets
Linebacker is another clear need. It was the weakest unit of the defense in the 2022 season. The Chiefs constantly attacked the group in Super Bowl 57, exposing the weakness. It’s time for Philadelphia to upgrade its speed at linebacker.
Noah Sewell of Oregon and DeMarvion Overshown of Texas are excellent options for the No. 62 selection. Sewell has exceptional speed for his size and excels as a downhill thumper against the run game. Overshown has eye-popping range at 6-foot-4, and he has the speed to track down ball carriers. As a former safety, the Texas product covers well in zone coverage too.
The Eagles could have plenty of defensive needs due to free agency. With good draft capital, Philadelphia can easily add an influx of talent in the 2023 NFL Draft.
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